The
Tigers' 231 attempts this season rank last in the SEC by a healthy margin. They've
stayed fairly close to the average of 21 passes per game with a season-high 34
coming against Mississippi State in the third game.

And
though only 36 percent of its total offense comes through the passing game,
nearly half (28 of 58) of Auburn's plays covering 20-plus yards came through the air.

"That's
very dangerous because they can get the run game going and have us stick down
to their run, they can hit us with a deep pass, hit us with a bomb, any type of
play that can get us off guard," Alabama safety Landon Collins said. "If we can
contain their run, we got a better chance on the pass."

Coach
Nick Saban sees a quarterback in Nick Marshall who's more than a
dangerous runner.

"He's
an especially good deep ball thrower," Saban said. "That in and of itself
creates a lot of issues and a lot of problems if you're a defensive player. I
think the guy is one of the most talented guys in our league at his position,
even though his style may be a little bit different."

Receiver
Sammie Coates ranks second
nationally with his 22.9-yard average per catch. The sophomore has 11 catches
covering more than 30 yards (seventh in the nation) and four of 50-plus (fifth
nationally).

Alabama figures to have senior cornerback Deion Belue back for Saturday's game after sitting out Saturday's win over Chattanooga with turf toe.